2 held in stabbing death of Brookfield woman

Friends and neighbors say 65-year-old Marilyn Fay of Brookfield was generous and kind to anyone in need.

She taught in Chicago Public Schools for 30 years and, in retirement, worked as a part-time librarian "so she could still be around children and books," said her neighbor Mary Berkowicz, 68.

Acquaintances were shocked to learn that Fay's lifeless body had been found riddled with stab wounds on Monday in her home in the 3300 block of Arthur Avenue.

Chicago police late Monday arrested a 30-year-old Brookfield man and a 23-year-old Arlington Heights woman at the Rainbow Motel, 7050 W. Archer Ave., in Chicago. Authorities were tipped off when they found Fay's 2002 sport utility vehicle about two blocks away, according to a statement from Brookfield police. No charges had been filed as of this evening.

The Cook County medical examiner's office ruled the death a homicide and determined Fay died of stab wounds and "asphyxia due to assault." Police provided few details about Fay's death.

Neighbors said Fay retired from Ericson Scholastic Academy about three years ago. She worked part time at the Brookfield Public Library.

Fay was described as a trusting woman.

She had taken in a young man she met at the library who was out of work. But she had recently asked him to leave because he had a temper, neighbors said. No one was certain how long the man had lived at her home. Neighbors believed no one else lived in the house.

Before coming to live with Fay, the man had been kicked out of his parents' home and didn't have anywhere to live. Even though he didn't live with Fay anymore, he still came around to do odd jobs such as landscaping, painting the home and changing the oil in her vehicle, neighbors said.

It was not known if the man had any connection to Fay's death.

"If she could help you, she would," Charlotte Field, 65, said as she took Fay's two dogs and two cats from Fay's home.

Berkowicz said Fay felt sorry for the young man she met at the library.

"This woman would take in strays, and that's what he was," Berkowicz said.

The library was closed Tuesday for "employee counseling," according to a sign on the door.

Neighbors said Fay loved to travel and cared deeply for animals, especially her pets. Friends and neighbors said she is survived by a daughter who lives in Texas.

"She was a kind, generous woman," Berkowicz said. "There was no reason for it. I'm sick at heart."